Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Senate President and Acting Head of State Samdech Techo Hun Sen issued a comprehensive clarification on Saturday (Dec. 6) to the Cambodian public, specifically addressing the Thai public regarding Cambodia’s successful hosting of the 32nd SEA Games in 2023.
The clarification was prompted by negative comments from some Thai individuals who accused Hun Sen of trying to “slander Thailand,” the host of the 2025 SEA Games, and insulted Cambodia’s financial integrity.
Refuting Claims of ‘Chinese Money’ and ‘Poor Country’ Insults
Samdech Techo Hun Sen stressed that he would never compare Cambodia with other nations. He noted that some Thai individuals claimed Thailand is a rich country while scornfully describing Cambodia as a poor country.
The most shocking claim he addressed was the accusation that Cambodia hosted the SEA Games using only “Chinese money.”
Stadium Gift vs. Operational Costs: The Key Distinction
Hun Sen made a key distinction regarding funding:
- Chinese Assistance: He confirmed that Chinese friends, led by President Xi Jinping, generously built the Morodok Techo Stadium, a venue crucial for the Games. He publicly thanked China for this valuable sports complex that Cambodia will use for generations.
- Operational Costs: However, he emphasized that for the actual competition expenses—including logistics, organizing, and venues—Cambodia did not use a single cent of Chinese or foreign money. He confirmed the historic Olympic Stadium, built in the 1960s, was also used for matches.
Prudent Financial Management: How Cambodia Spent $118 Million
Hun Sen detailed the careful financial strategy behind the Games, crediting the Organizing Committee led by Samdech Tea Banh and DPM Aun Pornmoniroth for “thrifty” and reliable budget management.
- Budget Planning: To avoid suspending other investment projects, Cambodia funded the event using the annual budget from 2018 to 2022 (nearly $50 million) and an additional $150 million planned in the 2023 budget law, totaling a planned $200 million.
- Thrifty Spending & Solidarity: With excellent management, Cambodia only spent $118 million. This figure covered hosting sports, foreign athletes’ accommodation, and food. He confirmed that the decision to cover all friends’ costs (about $12 million) was Cambodia’s initiative to strengthen ASEAN solidarity through sports, proving Cambodia is “poor in resources, but not poor in heart.”
A Call for Mutual Respect
Samdech Techo Hun Sen concluded by asking the Thai public to retract the insulting phrase about “Chinese money,” arguing that it disrespects Cambodia and insults the Chinese superpower. He wished Thailand success in hosting the 2025 SEA Games and affirmed his right to respond to protect Cambodian dignity.